VILLA MARIA/STARNBERG, September 24, 2022
World No. 120 Facundo Bagnis leads an all-Argentine semi-final line-up at the Challenger Dove Men+Care Villa Maria. The third seed of the $53,120 clay-court event defeated his compatriot Hernan Casanova 6-3, 6-3 in the stage of the final eight on Friday.
Bagnis struck six aces, saved all five break points he faced and converted three of his own eight break-point chances to seal victory in one hour and 35 minutes.
“I am very pleased,” Bagnis said of his performance afterwards. “I had some doubts after the previous matches but I handled my nerves much better, was very focused and played at a very high level.”
In his fourth semi-final of the season, the 32-year-old lefty from Rosario will take on Mariano Navone. The World No. 333, who is seeking his first title on the Pro Circuit, emerged victorious from the all-Argentine affair with eighth favourite Juan Manuel Cerundolo, winning 6-2, 7-6(5) in one hour and 48 minutes.
Después de un tremendo partido, @marianonavone1 , sigue rompiendo récords personales y se mete por primera vez en una Semifinal de Challenger 80 🔝👏🏻
Mariano se impuso 6-2 7-6 ante Juanma Cerúndolo en el “DOVE MEN+CARE Challenger Villa María” ✅ pic.twitter.com/DggTrqnGFK
— Legión Sudamericana (@LegionSudam) September 23, 2022
In the top half of the draw, Facundo Diaz Acosta fought past No. 5 seed Yannick Hanfmann of Germany 6-1, 7-5(6). The 21-year-old Buenos Aires native broke his rival’s serve two times and won 54 per cent of the total points played to prevail after one hour and 45 minutes.
Up next for Diaz Acosta will be Nicolas Kicker. The World No. 234 edged out seventh-seeded Argentine Renzo Olivo 6-2, 6-0 in one hour and 13 minutes.
